“There was
once a little man called Niggle, who had a long journey to make. He did
not want to go, indeed the whole idea was distasteful to him; but he
could not get out of it. He knew he would have to start some time, but
he did not hurry with his preparations.”

“There was a village once, not very long
ago for those with long memories, nor very far away for those with long
legs. Wootton Major it was called because it was larger than Wootton
Minor, a few miles away deep in the trees.”